UN says 9,806 civilians killed as result of Russia-Ukraine war

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - A total of 9,806 civilians, including 560 children, have been killed as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the UN on Monday.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) also verified 17,962 civilian injuries, including 1,196 children, Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, told the UN Security Council session on Ukraine.

"The actual figures are very likely considerably higher and, tragically, will continue to rise if current patterns continue," she added.

"Combined with Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Initiative, such attacks not only destroy the livelihoods of Ukrainian farmers, but also risk impacting the lives of millions of food insecure people around the world," she said.

The UN is also "concerned" about the renewed attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent weeks, according to DiCarlo.

"In recent weeks, the impact of the war has expanded in the Black Sea, with reports of the wide-spread use of sea mines that could threaten civilian navigation. A military incident in the Black Sea, whether intentional or by accident, could further destabilize the region," she said.

"We, therefore, reiterate our call for restraint in order to avoid any action that could worsen the already volatile situation."